Apple is partnering with digital platform TuneIn to strengthen its radio reach and better compete with Spotify, per the Wall Street Journal. The move will see Apple distribute its radio stations across connected cars and home speakers globally and marks the first time Apple鈥檚 current radio stations will be accessible outside of the Apple Music app. Apple鈥檚 radio push could breathe life into its struggling streaming units, attracting listeners who haven鈥檛 considered Apple Music and potentially drawing in advertisers who are looking for access to Apple鈥檚 library.
The news: Edison Research鈥檚 Q2 2025 鈥淪hare of Ear鈥� report revealed key trends in ad-supported audio and what channels are winning. The conclusion? Radio is still dominating in time spent across age groups鈥攁nd while podcasts are gaining ground, the shift is slow. Our take: Strategies that focus solely on podcasts at the expense of radio will fail to capitalize on the full potential of ad-supported audio. Brands that combine radio鈥檚 enduring reach while accounting for podcasts鈥� ability to engage and drive action will unlock the best outcomes.